Waggin' Tales Pet Blog

A New Year begins in a few days, and during this time many people make resolutions for better health. If you’re one of those who resolves steps to better health and if you’d like to not give your doctor as much money in 2017, here’s a simple solution: get a pet!

Did you know having a pet provides health benefits? Maybe not money-wise as far as many those insurance premiums, but certainly benefits in both physical and emotional health.

Various organizations, including the Center for Disease Control and other health groups, echo the physical and emotional health benefits that pets provide people. For example, having a dog increases your chances of getting physical exercise, such as walking, hiking, and stretching (think about when you throw the ball for Fido in a game of fetch).

Many studies show people with pets have lower cholesterol and triglycerides, lower blood pressure, and decreased stress. The simple act of petting a dog or cat helps us relax a bit. Pets can also decrease feelings of loneliness, fear and anxiety. Walking your dog can increase your socialization interactions, and pets in households with Alzheimer’s patients have been known to help those patients reduce their outbursts. People are less likely to suffer from depression if a pet or two resides in the home, and older people with pets enjoy better health both emotionally and physically.

Pets offer people many emotional and physical health benefits. Some animals can even help predict seizures, discover cancers, and alert people to low blood sugar attacks. Dogs and cats have been known to warn their owners of dangers, such as intruders and fire, and many have risked their own lives to protect or rescue their human companions. Pets give us their devotion and companionship, and we reap great benefits from their presence in our lives.

The holiday season is upon us. As people hurry and scurry, our pets tend to be neglected and their safety often overlooked. However, as you prepare for Christmas, don’t let your hustle and bustle bring disaster to your pets. Here are some tips to help keep your furry companions safe during this busy time of year:

Christmas trees and decorations are lovely to look at, but they can cause issues for our pets. Garland and tinsel, for example, may be ingested, choking or even killing your pet. Candles can be knocked over by either people or pets and cause a fire. Therefore, when using decorations, choose those that pose less danger to your pets and your household in general.

Christmas trees may be knocked over by cats climbing into them or by pets attracted to the decorations hanging on them. If you use fragile tree decorations, keep those in the higher branches away from curious pets.

Make sure your pet always has fresh water in its dish so it’s not tempted to drink from the water at the base of your live Christmas tree. Place a tree skirt around the tree to cover the water in the base. Christmas tree water becomes dirty and stagnant, and pets that drink it can ingest not only the bacteria, but also pine needles that drop, all causing potential harm to your pet.

Make sure all electrical outlets and connections are secured and concealed. This protects not only your pets, but also any small children who may visit or live in your home.

Some plants that people enjoy at Christmas pose health hazards for pets, including mistletoe and poinsettia. Keep these out of your pets’ reach or consider purchasing artificial ones.

As people come and go from your home, your dog or cat can more easily escape. You may want to put your pet in an extra bedroom or the laundry room if you expect your door to be opening and closing a lot on a particular day, such as a holiday party or your family’s Christmas Day celebration.

The excitement, busyness and stress we experience during the holidays can also stress our pets. Create a quiet place for your dog or cat to go in order to get away from the commotion. Set up a room in the house away from the noise with things that your pet is comfortable: its bed or special blanket, toys, and food and water dishes.

Make sure your pets have collar and ID tags in case they do rush out the door. Pets can become lost fairly easily, and with winter’s cold and snowy days, you want your beloved animal returned home as quickly as possible – ID tags are vital to that goal. Consider investing the small amount of money it takes for your vet to implant a microchip. Collar and tags can become lost themselves, and a microchip can help get your pet home if the collar and tags are missing from its neck. Remember to keep that identification up-to-date.

Food is an integral part of the Christmas season, and there are many items that are health hazards for our pets, such as poultry bones, gravy and chocolate. Keep your pets’ food routine the same during the holiday season as during ‘regular days’ – you’ll avoid upset stomachs or worse.

Follow these simple tips, and you, your family, and your pet will more greatly enjoy the Christmas season!

For many people, pets are family, and when the holiday season rolls around, they purchase Christmas gifts for their furry companions. So, what gifts can you give your furry family members? Here are four ideas:

Toys – from rubber balls and Kong® toys to catnip mice and hamster wheels, there are a variety of toys for pets and the various species of animals that reside in homes.

Clothing – many pet parents purchase clothing items for their furry family members, such as sweaters, coats, boots, dresses, and bowties. Smaller dogs can get chilled easily during inclement weather, therefore coats and sweaters are not a stretch, and boots protect animals’ feet from ice and poisons such as antifreeze.

Treats – cats and dogs, rabbits and birds, all enjoy a tasty treat now and then, just like people. Ask your veterinarian or the local pet supply store manager for ideas if the task appears overwhelming (and there is truly a plethora of treat options!) or if your animal has food allergies or is elderly.

Beds and Blankets – a soft, cushy bed helps a pet stay warm during the cold, winter months. Beds also help animals who suffer from arthritis, and a soft blanket on the couch keeps both pet and pet parent warm and snuggly together.

“Stockings hung by the chimney with care…” Treats, toys, collars, and other items can be slipped into a stocking for Fido and Fluffy just like candy is given to human children. Even wrapped gifts, like sweaters, beds, books, or large rawhide bones, can be found under Christmas trees with the pet’s name on the gift tag. I had a dog more than 20 years ago who loved tearing into his Christmas present under the tree – it was fun to watch him “open” his special gift!

Most pet-lovers I know give their furry friends Christmas gifts (some also provide birthday presents and parties for their special fur-balls) -- how about you? Do you give gifts to your animals during the holiday season?